FEE: Free

Color Improvisations 3

Dates: March 28 – August 23, 2026
Location: William and Anna Jane Schlossman Gallery, Plains Art Museum

Color Improvisations 3 features 42 vibrant, large-scale quilts that explore the expressive possibilities of color in contemporary textile art. Curated by acclaimed artist Nancy Crow, the exhibition includes work by 38 artists from the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.

Each piece was created specifically for this exhibition, highlighting a wide range of artistic voices united by innovation, bold composition, and masterful craftsmanship. Visitors will experience dynamic color palettes and inventive approaches that push the boundaries of quilt-making as an art form.

Following its international tour in Germany and North American debut in Nebraska, the exhibition continues its tour across the continent through 2029.

Exhibition Tour:
Thursday, April 9, 6:00–6:45 PM (Free)
Join a curatorial team-led tour exploring contemporary quilt-making and the ideas behind the exhibition.

FEE: Free

George Pfeifer 60th Anniversary Retrospective

May 22 - August 9, 2026 | On view in the Katherine Kilbourne Burgum and Gustavian Galleries
The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum

George Pfeifer: A 60th Anniversary Retrospective celebrates six decades of work by Fargo-born artist George Pfeifer, marking the 60th anniversary of his first solo exhibition at The Rourke Art Gallery in 1966, when he was just 19 years old.

The exhibition features 60 works spanning Pfeifer’s career, including early hard-edge color field paintings and screen prints influenced by gallery founder James O’Rourke, as well as later realist landscapes known for their vivid color and precision. Works are drawn from The Rourke’s Permanent Collection, Plains Art Museum, private collections, and include both historic and recent pieces.

Pfeifer has presented more than forty-five solo exhibitions across venues including The Rourke, Plains Art Museum, The Fargo Gallery, M State Fergus Falls, Jamestown Art Center, North Dakota State University, and others. His work is also held in numerous public and private collections nationwide.

The exhibition is presented in the Katherine Kilbourne Burgum and Gustavian Galleries, Archive & Reading Room, and 2nd Level Hall at The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum, with support from Rich & Nancy Callender and Darren & Jane Leno.

Public Viewing Hours

3 to 7 p.m. on THU
1 to 5 p.m. on FRI, SAT, & SUN

FEE: $12 Adults | $11 Seniors | $10 College Students | $8 Youth 5-17 & Children under 5 are Free.
HCSCC members get in free | Admission is also free every Tuesday night 5-8pm.

Rocks and Hard Places:
Emigration through the Lens of Knud Knudsen

June 12 - September 27, 2026
Hjemkomst Center

The exhibit provides viewers with 30 stunning framed black and white photographs taken between 1870 and 1900 that capture the toil and challenging topography that drove so many people to emigrate, many to Minnesota. In addition to Knudsen’s photographs, exhibit panels explore and contextualize the political, economic, and family pressures that led to above-average emigration from the region.

These immigrant stories from the nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries give us a more nuanced understanding of our immigrant neighbors today and the pressures that lead them to leave their homelands.

This traveling exhibit is organized by Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, with support from Lars and Martha Alsaker on behalf of Dan Alsaker and his sister Pam (Alsaker) Hemingway; Alsaker Corporation, and the Hanson Family Foundation.

This exhibit is supported in part by The Arts Partnership with support from the Cities of Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo; the Alex Stern Family Foundation, and the Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation.

FEE: Museum Admission

Americana: Objects that Reflect Us

July 4, 2026–January 3, 2027

Explore 250 years of American history through the stories told by everyday objects in Americana: Objects that Reflect Us. This exhibition examines how Americans have understood their nation, communities, and identities through themes of democracy, conflict, opportunity, belonging, and culture.

Featuring artifacts that reflect the evolving American experience, the exhibition invites visitors to consider how ordinary people have helped shape the nation's history and culture over the past two and a half centuries.

This exhibition was made possible through a donation from Stenerson Lumber of Moorhead and the generous support of museum members.

Location:
Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County
Hjemkomst Center
202 1st Avenue North
Moorhead, MN 56560

FEE: Free

Kirk Williams: Solo Exhibition – Original Pastels

July 1–September 11, 2026 | WholeHeart Collective, Fergus Falls, MN

WholeHeart Collective presents a special solo exhibition celebrating the life and work of Kirk Williams, one of Fergus Falls' most beloved artists. The exhibition features an exceptional collection of original pastels, drawings, and prints, including many original pastel works that have rarely—if ever—been exhibited publicly.

Curated by Naomi RaMona Schliesman in collaboration with Hattie Tysver, Kirk Williams' stepdaughter, the exhibition highlights the breadth of Williams' artistic vision through works that celebrate beauty, imagination, nature, and storytelling. Original artwork will also be available for purchase.

Join the community for a Public Reception on Wednesday, July 8, from 5:30–7:00 PM, featuring refreshments, music by Kirk Williams, and an opportunity to celebrate the artist's enduring legacy through stories, memories, and his remarkable body of work.

Whether you're familiar with Kirk Williams' art or discovering it for the first time, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the work of an artist whose creativity continues to inspire the Fergus Falls community.

Location:
WholeHeart Collective
210 W Cavour Avenue
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

FEE: Free

Kaddatz Galleries Summer Exhibitions

Beck Invitational | Charles Beck Gallery
Mary Guttormson Erickson: 40 Acres for 40 Years | Studio K

July 7–August 15, 2026 | Kaddatz Galleries, Fergus Falls, MN

Kaddatz Galleries presents two compelling exhibitions celebrating the work of regional artists and the artistic legacy of west central Minnesota.

In the Charles Beck Gallery, the inaugural Beck Invitational brings together a group of regional artists in honor of the enduring legacy of Charles Beck, one of the region's most influential artists. This biennial exhibition celebrates Beck's lasting impact while showcasing contemporary work inspired by the creativity, craftsmanship, and spirit of the area.

In the Studio K Gallery, Mary Guttormson Erickson: 40 Acres for 40 Years highlights four decades of artistic exploration inspired by the landscape, rhythms, and enduring beauty of the artist's forty-acre homestead. Through richly layered paintings, Erickson reflects on the deep connection between place, nature, and the passage of time.

An Opening Reception for both exhibitions will be held on Thursday, July 16, from 5:00–7:00 PM, offering visitors an opportunity to meet the artists and celebrate the opening of these summer exhibitions.

Location:
Kaddatz Galleries
111 West Lincoln Avenue
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Reception:
Thursday, July 16, 2026
5:00–7:00 PM

Exhibitions are sponsored by The Charles & Joyce Beck Family. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

FEE: Free

LRAC Guest Juror Exhibition – Anne Meyer

July 13 – September 15, 2026 | Lake Region Arts Council, Fergus Falls, MN

Lake Region Arts Council is pleased to present the 2026 Guest Juror Exhibition featuring the work of multidisciplinary artist Anne Meyer of St. Joseph, Minnesota.

Meyer's practice bridges studio work, public art, and community engagement. A graduate of the University of Minnesota–Morris with a B.A. in Studio Art, she completed an apprenticeship at Saint John’s Pottery under master ceramicist Richard Bresnahan. Her career has included public murals, outdoor sculpture commissions, artist residencies, educational programming, and collaborative community-based projects throughout Minnesota and beyond.

As Guest Juror for the 2026 LRAC Guest Juror Exhibition, Meyer brings a thoughtful and inclusive perspective rooted in artistic excellence, mentorship, and the transformative power of community-centered art.

Closing Reception & Guest Juror Talk:
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Reception: 5:00–6:30 PM
Guest Juror Talk: 5:30 PM

Location:
Lake Region Arts Council
133 South Mill Street
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

FEE: Free to Apply

Call for Artists:
Exhibition Proposals – Carnegie Art Center

Application Deadline: October 25, 2026

The Carnegie Art Center in Mankato is accepting exhibition proposals from Minnesota-based individual artists and collaborative artist groups working in all visual art media.

Open to both emerging and established artists, the Carnegie Art Center welcomes proposals for exhibitions in its three galleries within the historic Carnegie building, as well as satellite exhibition spaces throughout the Mankato community.

As part of its mission to support living, working artists, the Carnegie Art Center is especially interested in proposals from artists representing a broad range of ethnicities, cultural perspectives, and underrepresented communities.

Exhibition proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis by the Carnegie Art Center Gallery Committee, with exhibition schedules typically finalized each November. Selected artists will be contacted directly to discuss exhibition opportunities.

FEE: Free | Call for Artists

Emerging Artist Exhibition Opportunity

Submissions Accepted Now

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center and Continental Divide Brew Pub invite emerging artists from rural Minnesota to submit artwork for exhibition and sale at the Continental Divide.

This opportunity is designed to help artists expand their audience, build their exhibition experience, connect with fellow creatives, and become part of a growing regional arts community. Artists are encouraged to submit samples of original artwork along with a brief exhibition proposal for consideration.

To Apply:
Submit artwork samples and a brief exhibition proposal to:

• Megan Shirley-Ross, Artistic Director: megan@kulcher.org

• Cyrus Bickell, General Manager: cyrus@cdbpnym.com

Continental Divide Brew Pub
32 N Main Ave, New York Mills, MN 56567

FEE: $25 Booth Fee

Call for Vendors: Black Antler Night Faire

Vendor Applications Now Open

Artists, makers, energy readers, and creative businesses are invited to apply as vendors for the 3rd Annual Black Antler Night Faire on Friday, October 9, 2026, in downtown New York Mills.

The event features a festive evening market celebrating art, creativity, and the mysterious spirit of the season. Indoor booth spaces (approximately 6' × 6') and outdoor booth spaces (10' × 10') are available for $25 each on a first-come, first-served basis. Vendors are responsible for providing their own display materials.

To apply or learn more, contact:

• Emily: emily@kulcher.org

• Cyrus: cyrus@cdbpnym.com

Event Location:
New York Mills Regional Cultural Center & Main Avenue
24 North Main Avenue
New York Mills, MN 56567

FEE: Free

Alexandria Art Guild Exhibit at EAC

August 1–29, 2026

The Evansville Arts Coalition welcomes the Alexandria Art Guild as the featured August exhibition at the Evansville Art Center.

This month-long exhibition showcases a diverse collection of two-dimensional artwork by regional artists, highlighting a variety of artistic styles, creative perspectives, and techniques. Visitors are invited to explore the work of Guild members while celebrating the vibrant visual arts community of west central Minnesota.

A special Artist Reception will be held on Friday, August 28, from 6:00–8:00 PM, offering an opportunity to meet participating artists and enjoy the exhibition.

Gallery Hours:

• Thursday: 3:00–6:00 PM

• Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

The Evansville Art Center is handicap accessible.

Location:
Evansville Art Center
111 Main Street
Evansville, MN 56326

FEE: No submission fee

Call for Artists: Art Ghoullery IX – Nine Lives to Live

Submission Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026

The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum invites artists to submit work for Art Ghoullery IX: Nine Lives to Live, the ninth edition of its annual exhibition celebrating frightening, fantastical, and whimsical art for the Halloween season.

This year's exhibition explores themes of recursion, reanimation, rebirth, and reincarnation. Artists are encouraged to consider repetition, cycles, second chances, returning from the unknown, and other real or imagined interpretations of the theme. Work may be creepy, kooky, mysterious, or spooky, but should remain approximately PG-13 or under and retain a sense of whimsy and connection to the theme.

Artists may submit up to three works in any medium for consideration. This is a juried exhibition, and selected artists will be notified by Monday, September 14. Accepted artwork must arrive at The Rourke by Saturday, September 26.

All exhibited artwork will be available for sale, with a 40% gallery commission. Works should preferably not exceed 36 inches in any dimension and must arrive ready for installation.

Important Dates:
Submission Deadline: September 11, 2026
Acceptance Notification: September 14, 2026
Accepted Artwork Due: September 26, 2026
Exhibition: October 2–November 1, 2026
Masquerade Reception & Awards: Saturday, October 31, 2026

Location:
The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum
521 Main Avenue
Moorhead, MN 56560

FEE: Free

The Blind Mind: Artwork by Dawn Rossbach

August 4–September 19, 2026

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center presents The Blind Mind, a solo exhibition by Minnesota artist Dawn Rossbach exploring creativity through the lens of aphantasia—a neurological condition in which a person is unable to voluntarily visualize mental images.

Developed with support from a Minnesota State Arts Board Creative Individuals Grant, the exhibition features more than 30 original paintings, diptychs, and "memory apparitions" that investigate memory, observation, and artistic creation without mental imagery. Through these compelling works, Rossbach invites visitors to reconsider assumptions about the creative process while increasing awareness of the diverse ways people experience and interpret the world.

A free Artist Reception will be held on Saturday, September 12, from 1:00–3:00 PM, offering an opportunity to meet the artist, learn more about the exhibition, and enjoy light refreshments.

Gallery Hours:

• Tuesday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Wednesday & Thursday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM

• Friday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Saturday: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Please note: The gallery remains open during building construction. Visitors should use the accessible back entrance.

Location:
New York Mills Regional Cultural Center
24 North Main Avenue
New York Mills, MN 56567

FEE: Free

Rural Art Juried Exhibition

August 4–September 26, 2026

The Red Door Art Gallery presents the 2026 Rural Art Juried Exhibition, a regional exhibition celebrating the beauty, history, and culture of rural and agricultural life. Featuring work by artists from across the region, the exhibition showcases a wide variety of media, including painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture, wood carving, pottery, and fiber art inspired by rural landscapes, farms, wildlife, agriculture, and country living.

This year's exhibition is juried by Kent Estey, with awards recognizing outstanding artistic achievement, including Best of Show, category awards, Merit Award, and Viewer's Choice.

Visitors are invited to attend the Artists' Reception & Awards Ceremony on Thursday, September 10, from 5:00–7:00 PM, where they can meet participating artists, view the exhibition, and celebrate this year's award recipients.

Location:
Red Door Art Gallery & Museum
418 Dakota Avenue
Wahpeton, ND 58075

More Information:
(701) 591-1010
director@reddoorgallerywahpeton.com
www.reddoorgallerywahpeton.com

FEE: Free

Otterfest 2026

Friday & Saturday, August 7–8, 2026

Celebrate summer in Ottertail at Otterfest 2026, a two-day community celebration presented by the Ottertail Business & Community Association. Enjoy family activities, live entertainment, vendors, food, games, and more, capped off by live music and a spectacular fireworks show Saturday night.

Friday, August 7

• 7:00 PM – Ottertail Rod & Gun Club Demo Derby

Saturday, August 8

• 8:00–11:00 AM – Ottertail Lions Pancake Feed

• 8:00 AM–4:00 PM – Vendor Fair

• 9:30 AM – Nick the Strolling Magician

• 10:00 AM – Classic Car Show (People’s Choice Award at 2:00 PM)

• 10:00 AM – Inflatable & Snake Experience

• 11:00 AM – Big Parade

• 12:00 PM – Chicken Poop Bingo

• 12:00–1:00 PM – Magic Show

• 1:00 PM – Family Games

• 1:00–3:30 PM – Bingo

• 3:30–6:30 PM – Live Music by Kevin Klemik & The Sideliners

• 4:00 PM – Pork & Corn Feed (until gone)

• 6:30 PM – OTED Bean Bag Tournament (registration begins at 6:00 PM)

• 7:00 PM – Fire Pits & S’mores

• Dusk – Spectacular Fireworks Show

Most activities take place around the Ottertail Community Center, with event parking located near the water tower on Maple Avenue.

Location:
Ottertail Community Center
93 Lake Avenue
Ottertail, MN 56571

FEE: Free

4 Points of Light Studio Open House

Friday & Saturday, August 21–22, 2026 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Spend the weekend exploring the creative spaces of four accomplished Evansville artists during the 4 Points of Light Studio Open House. Visitors are invited to tour three working studios, meet the artists, learn about their creative processes, and view original artwork in the places where it is made.

Featured artists include:

• Calvin deRuyter, whose landscapes and abstract paintings explore contrasting perspectives.

• Lyssa Lovejoy, a painter whose work centers on storytelling through a variety of media.

• Jackie Henning, who creates richly textured mixed-media works incorporating photography, painting, and found objects.

• Stephen Henning, a landscape painter inspired by nature, working in both traditional and experimental Impressionist styles.

This self-guided tour offers a unique opportunity to visit directly with the artists, ask questions about their work, and purchase original artwork.

Studio Locations:

• Calvin deRuyter – 18541 County Road 1 NW, Evansville

• Jackie & Stephen Henning – 22399-A Oak Hill Road NW, Evansville

• Lyssa Lovejoy – 508 North Gran Street, Evansville

For maps and additional information, contact Jackie Henning at 218-948-2288.

FEE: Free

Wahpeton Fine Arts Festival

Thursday, September 10 – Saturday, September 12, 2026
Red Door Art Gallery & Heritage Square | Wahpeton, ND

Celebrate three days of art, artists, and community during the Wahpeton Fine Arts Festival, presented by Red Door Art Gallery. The festival features the Rural Art Juried Exhibition, artist demonstrations, educational programs, local artists, food vendors, entertainment, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.

Festival Schedule

Thursday, September 10

• 5:00–7:00 PM – Rural Art Juried Exhibition Reception & Awards

• Meet participating artists and celebrate the opening of the exhibition, juried by Kent Estey.

Friday, September 11

• 2:00–4:40 PM – Ellen Diederich Painting Demonstration

• 5:30 PM – ART21 Screening Society presents Human Nature

Saturday, September 12

• 10:00 AM–2:00 PM – Wahpeton Fine Arts Festival

• Artist booths in the gallery and Heritage Square

• Artist demonstrations

• Art classes

• Food vendors

• Entertainment

• $25 & Under Art Booth, featuring affordable original artwork by participating artists.

Location:
Red Door Art Gallery & Museum
418 Dakota Avenue
Wahpeton, ND 58075

More Information:
www.reddoorgallerywahpeton.com

FEE: Free; fees may apply for art classes

Wahpeton Fine Arts Festival

September 10–12, 2026

The Red Door Art Gallery presents the Wahpeton Fine Arts Festival, a three-day celebration of visual art featuring exhibitions, artist demonstrations, film, hands-on art experiences, artist vendors, and more in downtown Wahpeton.

The festival begins Thursday evening with the Rural Art Juried Exhibition Reception & Awards, continues Friday with opportunities to experience artists at work and an Art21 film screening, and culminates Saturday with the Fine Arts Festival featuring artist booths, art demonstrations, classes, food vendors, entertainment, and affordable original art.

Thursday, September 10
5:00–7:00 PM — Rural Art Juried Exhibition Reception & Awards
Celebrate the 2026 Rural Art Juried Exhibition and participating artists during a public reception and awards presentation with juror Kent Estey.

Friday, September 11
2:00–4:40 PM — Ellen Diederich Painting Demonstration
Meet artist Ellen Diederich and watch her creative process firsthand. Visitors are welcome to stop in, ask questions, learn painting tips and techniques, or simply watch the artist at work. Free and open to the public; no reservations required.

5:30 PM — Art21 Screening: Human Nature
Explore the relationship between people, society, and the natural world through the work of artists Lenka Clayton, Josh Kline, Delcy Morelos, and Sin Wai Kin. Snacks will be served. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, September 12 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM — Fine Arts Festival
Saturday's festivities include:

• Artist booths at Red Door Art Gallery and Heritage Square

• Art demonstrations

• Art classes

• Food vendors

• Entertainment

• A special $25 & Under Art Booth

• Air-Dry Clay Gnome Class with Deb Boyer

Location:
Red Door Art Gallery & Heritage Square
418 Dakota Avenue
Wahpeton, ND

More Information:
Red Door Art Gallery
701-591-1010

FEE: $12 Adults | $11 Seniors | $10 College Students | $8 Youth 5-17 & Children under 5 are Free.
HCSCC members get in free | Admission is also free every Tuesday night 5-8pm.

Bearing Witness Art Quilt Exhibit

October 10 - December 27, 2026
Hjemkomst Center

Opening Oct. 10, Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County will display 40 art quilts called Bearing Witness, produced by Studio Art Quilts Association. The theme of the exhibit is “deliberate attempts to eradicate specific populations due to differences of culture, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, and race. Often motivated by those in power, collective trauma and tragedy are part of our past and present.

This exhibition will educate viewers about the perils of antisemitism, racism, homophobia, sexism, and inequity. Our challenge is to remember and learn from the history of The Holocaust and other global genocides and to amplify our shared humanity. Preserving our humanity is at the center of all diversity, equity, and inclusion work, invoking the core of our experiences” (SAQA website).

The exhibit will show at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead Oct. 10 through Dec. 27, 2026. This exhibit will no doubt startle viewers who may be expecting their grandmother’s traditional quilts. Images and artist statements share the artists’ reflection on global atrocities in an art form that expands the tradition of quilt making to include found objects, sculpture, photo transfer, embroidery, and beadwork.

This activity is funded in part by Joe and Muriel Richardson, the FM Quilters (thank you!), the voters of Minnesota through grants through MN State Arts Board and Lake Region Arts Council from a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, the FM Area Foundation, Alex Stern Family Foundation, and The Arts Partnership with support from the Cites of Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo.